‘In the interest of public safety’ -- Subcontractor banned from working in Meridian Township

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WILX) - A subcontractor has been banned from working in Meridian Township after they reportedly caused a gas leak, then refused to comply with a township firefighter on the scene.

The incident took place on June 28. Township officials said the Fire Department and Department of Public Works was called to Hickorywood Drive in Okemos on reports of a gas leak. Upon arrival they confirmed there was a leak, determining it was caused by underground drilling being performed by International Inc.

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A Meridian Township firefighter said that a worker from International Inc. was digging in a hole near the gas leak. The worker was asked to stop digging, but did not comply until the firefighter forced them to leave the area so a safety perimeter could be established for Consumers Energy to repair the gas leak.

Following the incident, township officials made the decision to ban the company from working in Meridian Township.

“In the interest of public safety, International Inc. is no longer permitted to work in Meridian Township,” said Dan Opsommer, Assistant Township Manager. “We will continue to work with residents to ensure MetroNet properly restores their yards and removes the appropriate Miss Dig flags by Wednesday, July 13.”

Miss Dig flags note where critical utility lines are. Township residents have been asked to not remove any of the flags that have been placed in their yards. The Township has asked MetroNet to complete all backfilling of holes, yard restoration work and to remove all appropriate Miss Dig flags by July 13 at 5:00 pm.

The township said the ban was issued in part because of existing concerns they had with the company.

“As a result of this incident and past concerns regarding work performed, an indefinite cease and desist order has been issued to International Inc.,” officials said in an email.

MetroNet’s subcontractor was actively working in the following neighborhoods when the cease and desist order went into effect:

Tacoma Hills
Sanders Tacoma Hills
Shaker Heights
Forest Hills
Cornell Woods
Cornell Woods North

Company representatives told News 10 they are working with the township to address any concerns.

“We are aware of the June 28 utility impact near our infrastructure construction area,” company representatives wrote in an email. “MetroNet has a strong commitment to safety and will work with Meridian Township to address their concerns fully and speedily so we may continue building MetroNet’s advanced high-speed fiber optic network.”

MetroNet is in the process of finding a new subcontractor to complete their work in Meridian Township. They will be required to update all existing permits with the Township before resuming any work that is not related to backfilling holes, yard restoration and removing Miss Dig flags.

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